Dog Breed Health Testing Requirements Listed below are all AKC breeds and their health testing requirements. A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z Affenpinscher Ophthalmologist Evaluation Patella Evaluation Afghan Hound Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Thyroid Evaluation Airedale Terrier Hip Evaluation Cardiac Exam Renal Disease DNA Test Ophthalmologist Evaluation Akita Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Alaskan Malamute Hip Evaluation Ophthalmologist Evaluation Polyneuropathy DNA test American […]

Test for what is recommended for your breed. Order AKC DNA + Health Kit The AKC DNA Program recommends that breeders perform DNA tests that are relevant to their breed. The AKC DNA + Health Kit includes over 328 markers for health and traits, and every dog receives results for all tests. However, not all […]

For a lot of new dog owners, it can be difficult to determine how often you should bathe your puppy or adult dog. The truth is, the answer depends on a lot of factors. “How frequently a pet needs a bath greatly varies based upon their breed, lifestyle, length of coat, and how much homework […]

If you want a dog but experience allergy symptoms around them, you are not alone. While no dog is completely hypoallergenic, some purebred breeds are often a better fit for allergy sufferers because they have predictable, low-shedding coats that may spread less dander. Combined with good household allergy management, these breeds can make dog ownership […]

Toy dogs are more than just small. Learn more about each of the Toy Group breeds and find out what exactly these adorable dogs were bred to do.

Kay Finch produced well over 100 Afghan Hound champions At the same time, Finch excelled in creating ceramics, including 20+ Afghan Hound sculptures One dog, 'Johnnie,' won the Hound Group at Westminster in 1954 and 1955, and was the first dog on the cover of Sports Illustrated. When it came time to celebrate their 25th wedding […]

The American Hairless Terrier (AHT) is a small-to-medium-sized terrier that is intelligent and curious. These active and trainable dogs are completely hairless, although some can have whiskers and eyebrows. Here are some fun facts about this truly American dog. 1. The American Hairless Terrier is directly descended from the Rat Terrier, a dog that was […]

Adrienne Scott is an AKC Breeder of Merit who has realized a lifelong dream in her small hobby kennel, Prairie Crest Beaucerons, of Maysville, Missouri, devoted to preserving the centuries-old Beauceron breed. She has produced many champions and, through health testing, improving temperaments, and structure, she strives to produce the best Beaucerons possible. Adrienne has traveled […]

ESPN is going straight to the dogs in the best way possible. On August 26, the American Kennel Club is proud to participate in ESPN Dog Day for the second time, with dog sports broadcast live on ESPN2 and the ESPN app. What better way to spend a hot August day than by watching dogs […]

Many of us originally selected our breeds based on general appearance, compatible temperament, and acceptable grooming and exercise requirements. While we each remain staunchly faithful to our breeds of choice, the time may come when downsizing, for whatever reason, becomes a desired option. Perhaps it’s a move to smaller living space or the inability to […]

Is your dog scared of the vacuum cleaner? We explain why dogs fear these cleaning machines, and what you can do to get your dog used to the vacuum cleaner.

The Xoloitzcuintli has long been associated with death in Aztec Society, most recently depicted in the Pixar movie "Coco." Here's the Xolo's breed history.

When Maria B. Moya was growing up, she always wanted a dog, but it wasn’t possible where her family lived. Then she got out on her own and moved to Hoboken, New Jersey. In her new town, everyone, it seemed, had a dog. Many of them were the trendy mixed-breeds, known as "Goldendoodles." Moya, who […]

AKC registration continues to expand for the sixth year in a row. The most popular dog breeds of 2018 were released on March 20, 2019, according to AKC registration statistics. Registration is not only beneficial for your dog, but for dogs everywhere. The American Kennel Club and its affiliates have donated over $38 million to canine […]

By Allan Reznik   By Allan Reznik (Reprinted with permission from Dogs in Review and author Allan Reznik, from the November 2014 issue of Dogs in Review magazine. People get into a new breed for all kinds of reasons: the need to downsize, a desire for less grooming, a thirst for greater challenges, even the search […]

Wondering how popular your pooch really is? Now you can find out. The most popular dog breeds of 2019 were released on May 1, 2020 (also National Purebred Dog Day) based on 2019 AKC registration statistics. It may come as no surprise that the Labrador Retriever takes the top spot for the 29th year in a row, […]

Among the marvels of human ingenuity is the way various breeds of dog were developed, mentally and physically, to tackle specific jobs. Consider the farmer’s eternal war against rodents and other burrowing mammals that devastate grain stores, raid henhouses, tear up fields, dig away riverbanks, and carry disease. As their number-one weapon in subterranean warfare, […]

Hairless dogs may not have fur, but their skin still needs washing and moisturizing to prevent infection, fungal growth, and irritation.

Sharing your life with a dog can be incredibly rewarding. Dogs are affectionate, intuitive companions, and growing up with one may even help children develop compassion and confidence. If you have allergies, though, you might wonder whether dog ownership is realistic. The answer depends on your sensitivity, the steps you take to manage exposure, and […]

Happy Father's Day! To celebrate all things paternal, we are featuring eight great sires in AKC history. These studly champions did some of their best work outside of the show ring. Standard Poodle: Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen Ch. Nunsoe Duc de la Terrace of Blakeen, the 1935 Westminster Best in Show […]